Guitarist Reza Khota fronts his quartet this Sunday, 30 July on the Jazz in the Native Yards platform at NY138 No. 52 in Gugulethu from 4pm.
The Reza Khota Quartet comprises bassist Shane Cooper, Jonno Sweetman on drums and saxophonist Buddy Wells. Together they conjure up an otherworldly sonic realm. The material is punctuated by rock-tinged guitar tones and densely woven harmony.
Their connection in the musical moment often feels telepathic, beyond the contrivances of nationalism and South Africanism. Their focus is on “the ancient, universal beat of existence”.
What critics have said about their 2014 ‘Transmutation’ CD
“Unifying all these tracks are their melodic motifs, submerged and re-emerging alchemically altered, speaking in different voices — just like the title says. But it’s much more fun than that suggests, and definitely an album of the year.” Gwen Ansell
“Khota delivers laser-focused solos that give off searing heat.” Dan Bilawsky – All About Jazz
“Khota is a soaring and stinging player.” Don Albert – Artslink.co.za
“Hearing Khota searching for a segue between the rhythm and the melody, by modulating his solos into ecstatic micromodal improvisations on lengthy 10-minute plus compositions such as Eclipse, Contact and Freedom’s Dance, is nothing short of sublime.” Miles Keylock – Mail & Gaurdian
About Reza Khota
Reza Khota was born in Johannesburg and was introduced to the guitar by his father in the 80’s. He began formal training with Jeremy Karodia at 10, later studying classical guitar with Faizel Boorany. After enrolling for his B.Mus at Wits he furthered his classical guitar studies under David Hewitt. During this time Reza received master-classes from Norwegian guitarist Vegard Lund and Austrian crossover guitarist/composer Helmut Jasbar.
He was also composer for crossover band Babu. In 2008, Babu released Up Roots. He currently plays with Kesivan and the Lights, and Shane Cooper Quintet (Oscillations). He recently composed music based on Derek Grippers Koratranscriptions for classical guitar maestro John Williams.
Who: Reza Khota Quartet from 4pm
Where: Jazz in the Native Yards, NY138 No. 52, Gugulethu
When: Sunday, 30 July, 2017, 4pm
Tickets: R70 door. Discounts students/ seniors
Info: 060 960 8935
WS
